Why I Level Pilates exercises; finding the right challenge for you
One of the reasons I keep my classes small is so that I can help as many individuals as I can within a lesson. So, if you are new to me, you may have noticed that not everyone is always doing the same thing.
Some people may be working with a smaller range of movement, others may be adding extra challenge, whilst someone else may be using a prop or modifying the exercise altogether. This isn't because some people are "better" at Pilates than others. It's because Pilates works best when it is tailored to the individual.
Pilates Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Every body that walks into the studio is different.
We all arrive with different levels of strength, mobility, balance and coordination. Some people may be recovering from an injury, managing arthritis, navigating menopause, returning to exercise after a break or simply feeling more tired than usual.
Even the same person can feel completely different from one day to the next.
My role as a Pilates teacher is to help each client find the right level of challenge for their body so that they can move well, build confidence and continue progressing safely. If you are currently receiving physio treatment I encourage you to speak with the physio and be specific with the exercises you have been given or let me know what you have been told to avoid.
What Do I Mean By "Levelling" An Exercise?
Levelling an exercise simply means offering different options.
Think of it like walking up a hill. Some people may choose the gentler path, whilst others may take the steeper route. Everyone is still heading in the same direction, but the journey is adjusted to suit their current ability and goals.
In class, I may:
Reduce or increase the range of movement
Change the position of the body
Add or remove support
Adjust the resistance of springs or equipment
Introduce balance challenges
Progress an exercise to increase strength and control
This allows everyone to work at a level that feels achievable whilst still providing enough challenge to create positive change.
Why The Right Level Matters
If an exercise is too easy, your body has little reason to adapt and improve.
If an exercise is too difficult, technique often suffers. Compensation patterns can creep in, frustration can build and the exercise may no longer be serving its purpose.
The sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle; challenging enough that you need to concentrate and engage, but not so difficult that you lose control of your movement or your breathing.
This is where strength, stability and body awareness develop most effectively.
Progress Looks Different For Everyone
One of the wonderful things about Pilates is that progress isn't always measured by doing the most advanced version of an exercise.
Sometimes progress looks like:
Moving with less pain
Improving balance and confidence
Feeling stronger carrying shopping or gardening
Standing taller with better posture
Getting up and down from the floor more easily
Having greater control and awareness of your body
For some clients, choosing a simpler version of an exercise may actually be the most effective option on that day.
Listening To Your Body
I always encourage clients to view the different exercise options as choices. Choosing a modification isn't a sign that you’re weak or not as good. In fact, recognising what your body needs on a particular day is a skill in itself, I love my clients who have actually learnt to change their position or reduce the load when it doesn’t feel right on that particular session.
Pilates teaches us to listen to our bodies, work intelligently and build sustainable strength over time.
Pilates That Meets You Where You Are
Whether you're completely new to Pilates or have been practising for years, my aim is the same: to help you move better, feel stronger and leave each session feeling that you've worked at the right level for you.
By offering different levels and progressions, everyone can experience success, challenge themselves appropriately and continue to develop at their own pace.
So, if you’ve every felt unnoticed in a class, maybe you have felt it is just too hard or, conversely, maybe you’ve found it too easy then get in touch and let Exe Valley Pilates find the right level for you.
